Description: The typical air filter is
a disposable, pleated-paper element
with a sealing gasket made of synthetic material. Filters come in two main types: the panel style as used on most fuel-injected cars and the radial style, which is usually used on carbureted vehicles.
Purpose: The air filter traps dirt
particles, which can cause damage to engine cylinders, walls,
pistons and piston rings. The air filter also plays a role in
keeping contaminants off the airflow sensor (some fuel-injected
cars) and sometimes in cleaning the air that enters the crankcase
for crankcase ventilation. The air filter also serves as a silencer
for your car’s
intake system. Your car’s engine can use more than 10,000
gallons of air for every gallon of fuel burned,
so it’s easy to see how big a job the air
filter has.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Although your car’s owner’s manual may
specify an inspection interval for the air filter, it’s really best that it be checked
at every oil change. Dirty and dusty driving conditions will require
more frequent filter replacements, so keep this in mind.
Driving
with a dirty filter restricts
the air entering the engine,
and if severe, can impact fuel economy and performance. If
you decide to change the filter yourself, always do so with
the engine off. Never start or run the engine
with the air filter out of place. Most filters can be
easily replaced by removing snap clips, a clamp or several screws.
Make sure you use the filter specified for your car ’s
engine; do not try to make a
filter fit. An improperly fitting filter can allow unfiltered air
into the engine, causing engine damage.
